History and mystery; India has plenty of both. The country has long guided seekers of the ways of the mystics, blending the heavenly and earthly in all aspects of life. This guiding philosophy has also been applied to the food it consumes, providing a heavenly experience with mere earthly ingredients. The use of shoots and roots in cooking has defined the roots of this ancient land, and it has withstood the advances of the modern age to maintain the ethereal experience it can provide in every sip and bite.
Perhaps there is no better representation of the country’s adherence to its roots than its many tribal groups. They have lived off of the land for millennia, foraging and growing a variety of crops and eatables, creating unique cuisines of their own that are beyond the typical flatbreads, curries, and rice items that have come to be associated with Indian food. Let’s take a look at what you can expect if you want to try it out.
Chaprah
This is a truly unique food item that is prepared by the tribal community of Bastar, present in the east-central state of Chhattisgarh. The reason for that uniqueness is the main ingredient used in its preparation: red ants. Yes, it’s a chutney that is made by turning red ants and their eggs into a paste. Some spices may be added for taste, and it is eaten directly or as a side dish with typical Indian flatbreads. Another variant of Chaprah uses black ants instead of red ones.
Bamboo Steamed Fish
A delicacy from the northeastern state of Nagaland, it is found in all Naga people's homes. It is renowned for its simplicity in preparation and taste. It contains dried red chilies, bamboo shoot squeeze, fresh fish, garlic, and salt. Its USP is the steaming part, which is done using a bamboo steamer, filling the dish with an authentic bamboo flavor throughout. It is served hot, with plain steaming rice.
Tromba
is an ethnic dish prepared using aged fish by the Meitei people of the northeastern state of Manipur. The aging process of the fish is what gives this dish the sharpness that it’s famous for. Adding to that flavor are mashed potatoes, red chilies, and green leafy vegetables, along with a hint of oil to keep its credentials as a healthy dish intact. It is considered a vital part of Manipuri cuisine and is eaten as a side dish in a feast as well as an independent snack.
Sakin Gata
It is a white rice cake from the northeastern state of Meghalaya. What makes this food important is that it is the popular dish at the Garo tribe’s important festivals like Wangala. The Garo are one of the main tribes of the state, so this food is found everywhere there. It is a sweet dish that is prepared by soaking sticky white rice in water overnight and mixing it with sugar. This mix is then roasted with sesame seeds and arranged in banana leaves for the final cooking. This last step happens in a special pot, where the dish is steamed for a wholesome taste. It is consumed with tea or directly.
Eri Polu
This one comes from the northeastern state of Assam and is unlike any other dish because of its main ingredient, which is silkworm larvae. It is a tribal specialty that attracts many food enthusiasts to the state in search of an authentic and exotic experience. The silkworm larvae are those left over after the silk is extracted from the cocoon. The worms are first flavored with a variety of herbs and spices for added flavor. They are then smoked in bamboo shoots, leaving them with a soft texture and a juicy underbelly. It is often eaten as a snack or side dish.
Chemmeen Kari
We shift our attention to the south with Chemmeen Kari, which is a popular dish from the state of Kerala. Having a lengthy coastline means plenty of opportunity for the local tribes to fish prawns (shrimp), which are the main ingredient of this curry. It is popular all over the state, and its origins can be traced back to tribals. The prawn gets mixed with spices and cooked in an earthen vessel for that rich, spicy flavor. It is served with steamed white rice and other rice-based flatbreads as a side dish.
India’s vast cultural landscape is a fascinating tale of humanity itself that has played out in many intricate ways over the millennia. Its tribals have been witnesses to and participants in this saga, adding to the land’s mystery and wonder. That is certainly the case with the cuisines they’ve created and relished throughout their existence. Others can now savor these specialty dishes too, which can help with their health and their wondrous life experiences for ages to come.